Geronimo under way

Olivier de Kersauson's maxi-trimaran embarks on Route of Discovery record

At 08:29:57 GMT this morning Olivier de Kersauson's Cap Gemini-Schneider Electric sponsor maxi-trimaran Geronimo set off on an attempt on the Route of Discovery record.

The course between Cadiz and the Bahamian island of San Salvador retraces the route of Christopher Columbus in 1492. While it took Columbus a little longer, the present record for the 4,700 mile course stands at 9 days 13 hours, 31 minutes and 18 seconds since it was broken in February this year by Steve Fossett on the maxi-cat PlayStation. To beat this de Kersauson must cross the finish line by Thursday 27 November 22hrs and 15 seconds.

The French trimaran got off to a good start this morning, crossing the line off the Spanish port at around 28 knots. The weather conditions were perfect with 20 knots of wind from the north.


Following his air-lift off Geronimo on her delivery trip down due to suspected menengitis watch leader Didier Ragot, is not on board and has been replaced by Armand Coursaudon, who has been sailing on the boat for a year.

Crew list:
Olivier de Kersauson
Yves Pouillaude
Pierre Corriveaud
Pascal Blouin
Antoine Deru
Stanislas Devorsine
Franck Ferey
Rodolphe Jacq
Xavier Briaud
Philippe Laot
Armand Coursaudon